But unfortunately for Thomason, trading standards chiefs found him before his customers did and confiscated his dodgy gear.

Then, after giving a false name and address, officers caught up with him at his home on September 13 and retrieved another 1,000 CDs.

Ian Moore, of Cheshire trading standards who prosecuted Thomason at Macclesfield Magistrates, told the court of the findings:

"We found a total of 1,376 CDs, a mixture of games, films and music," said Mr Moore.

"There was Tomb Raider, Human League and Power Rangers for the PlayStation.

"There was even compilation CDs, one of which had seven albums on one CD.

"Then there were four copies of Faces of Death, which has never been classified as a film.

"It is extremely brutal. One man is set on fire and another is fed to crocodiles, distasteful to say the least."

Thomason, formerly of Wilmslow and now living in Manchester, admitted five counts of possessing goods bearing a false name and a sixth offence of possessing a video recording of unclassified work for purpose of supply.

Vincent McDade, defending, said another man, yet to be apprehended, owned the goods and that Thomason was only involved in the scam "to make some extra money".

Before sentencing, Mr McDade said Thomason had already forfeited CDs, computer and other specialist equipment.

Magistrates told Thomason: "We've taken into account your prompt guilty plea and what has been said about these offences and we feel you should do 182 hours of community service."

Thomason was also ordered to pay £561 costs, which he agreed to pay at £15 a week.